Pennsylvania requires sellers of residential real property to provide buyers with a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement under the Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law (68 Pa.C.S. § 7301 et seq.).
The disclosure covers the condition of virtually every system and component of the property, including but not limited to: roof, basement, water intrusion, structural problems, plumbing, electrical, heating/cooling, well and septic systems, pests, hazardous substances (lead, asbestos, radon, underground storage tanks), environmental hazards, zoning violations, boundary disputes, and any known material defects.
Pennsylvania follows a "known defect" standard — the seller must disclose defects they are aware of. There is no duty to conduct inspections or discover latent defects. However, actively concealing a known defect (painting over water damage, for example) can give rise to fraud claims that survive the closing.
⚠ Practical Reality
The disclosure form is the single most common source of post-closing disputes. If you're buying, don't treat it as a substitute for a professional inspection. If you're selling, answer honestly and completely — "I don't know" is acceptable where true, but a false "no" when you know there's a problem can expose you to liability even after closing.
Certain transfers are exempt from disclosure requirements: transfers by court order (sheriff's sales, guardianship), transfers from estates (executor/administrator), transfers between co-owners, first sales of homes never occupied, and transfers to or from government entities.
Free consultations available for most practice areas.
Schedule a Free Consultation Or call 215-826-3133